THE news that Paul Gascoigne may be set for a return to English football has met with predictable howls of disappointment from some quarters.

THE news that Paul Gascoigne may be set for a return to English football has met with predictable howls of disappointment from some quarters.

When Sheffield Wednesday announced they were interested in signing the former England and Everton midfielder, people were queuing up to urge Gazza to call it a day.

But, with respect, what's it got to do with them?

If Gascoigne wants to play until he is 70, that is fine by me. I would rather see him become a shadow of his former self, but a happy one, than a washed-out has-been with nothing to live for but his next drink, as many do after giving up the game.

A lot of football stars would rather bow out at the top. But it's a bit late for Gascoigne to do that.

I can understand the tinge of disappointment some feel when they turn up to watch a once-great player struggle through a game. I've felt it once or twice myself.

But there must be some demand for it, judging by the enthusiastic response to 'masters' tournaments, beach football and the like.

Gascoigne has worked hard and made a lot of money out of the game. He has earned the right to do what he wants with his life.

And if what he wants is to carry on playing down the leagues, that is good for the game.

It is obvious Gascoigne can no longer hack it in the Premiership. Even he has accepted that now.

He is 36 with a body going on 86. But he is still class. He still has enough to influence games in the lower divisions, albeit only fleetingly, and entertain and inspire those around him.

Gascoigne showed in his spell at Goodison Park that he was a great teacher.

His first-team appearances may have been rare and largely unproductive, but there was never any shortage of young players willing to say how good Gazza was at talking them through reserve games. And plenty of them were playing against, not alongside him.

I cannot really imagine Gazza as a manager, but he seems to have plenty to offer as a coach.

He may not be the brightest bulb in the box, but Gascoigne has a tremendous footballing brain. And football should try and make full use of it before he drinks away the few brain cells he has left.

If he can contribute as a player as well, then so much the better.

Even now, Gazza puts bums on seats.

Players of his exceptional skill make people want to go and watch football. The game cannot afford to ignore talents like that.

I have often thought it would be great to see someone emulate George Best, who ambled towards retirement playing for the likes of Fulham, Hibs and Dunstable Town, as well as having a spell in the States. And it's fair to say that Gazza is one of the closest things English football has ever had to Best.

If Gazza is happy to 'do a Best' and rough it at the sharp end of the football pyramid, then I, for one, think we should let him.